Wed, 19 Aug 2026 · LIVE
Updated Aug 19, 2026 · 11:15
North East News Updated Aug 19, 2026

Rajdhani Express halted in Assam as elephant herd crosses tracks

A Rajdhani Express was halted in Assam's Hojai district on Wednesday morning to allow a herd of wild elephants to cross the railway tracks safely. The quick action by forest staff, the loco-pilot, and the Lumding Railway Control Room ensured the elephants crossed without incident and the train resumed its journey. Assam Forest Minister Jayanta MallaBarua shared the video on social media, praising the coordinated effort and the quiet dedication of forest personnel.

Assam: Rajdhani Express halted in Hojai to allow safe crossing of elephant herd through railway track

Hojai, August 19

A Rajdhani Express was halted in Assam's Hojai district on Wednesday morning so that a herd of wild elephants could cross the railway tracks safely.

According to officials, strict vigilance and prompt alert action by forest staff and coordination by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) helped save the lives of the elephants in Hojai district on Wednesday morning.

As per reports, forest staff spotted an elephant herd near the railway track as they tried to cross at the Hawaipur area near Lanka in Hojai district, with the Down Rajdhani Express approaching.

Alert action by the forest staff, the loco-pilot and the Lumding Railway Control Room ensured the elephant herd crossed safely and the train resumed its journey.

Sharing the heartwarming video on social media, Assam Forest Minister Jayanta MallaBarua wrote on X, "An unexpected halt on the tracks, but only for our adorable giants to pass by. This morning, the Down Rajdhani Express was stopped at Km 167/8 as an elephant herd crossed the tracks at Hawaipur under Lanka Range, Nagaon South Division, Hojai."

"Alert action by our @assamforest staff, the loco-pilot and Lumding Railway Control Room ensured the herd crossed safely and the train resumed its journey. Another day, another safe crossing!" he added.

"Every day, our dedicated forest personnel remain watchful, quietly ensuring the safety of our wildlife. These may be silent stories, but each safe crossing is a story worth telling," the Minister further said.

— ANI

Reader Voices

Leave a comment

Be kind. Add to the conversation. 0/50
Thank you — your comment has been submitted.
JS blocked